Therapists are trained to maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients to ensure a therapeutic relationship focused on the client's well-being and growth. Sharing personal feelings or emotions toward a client can be a delicate matter and should be handled with care and consideration of the client's needs and therapeutic goals.
Therapists may express warm and empathetic feelings towards their clients as part of building a trusting and supportive therapeutic alliance. This can help create a safe and positive environment for the client to explore their emotions and challenges. However, expressing warm feelings should not be confused with romantic or personal interest beyond the professional therapeutic context.
It's important for therapists to regularly evaluate and reflect on their own feelings and motivations to ensure they are acting ethically and maintaining appropriate boundaries. If a therapist notices that their feelings might be influencing their objectivity or compromising the therapeutic relationship, they may consult with a supervisor, colleague, or seek their own therapy to address any personal issues that could impact their work.
As for your feelings, it is entirely normal to feel a sense of attachment or even romantic transference toward your therapist. The therapeutic relationship can be intense, and clients may project unresolved emotions onto their therapists. It's essential to discuss these feelings openly in therapy to explore their origins and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
If your feelings become overwhelming or interfere with the therapeutic process, it's essential to communicate them honestly with your therapist. They can help you navigate these emotions and ensure that the therapy remains focused on your needs and growth.
Remember, therapy is a professional relationship, and its primary purpose is to support your emotional well-being and personal development. Your therapist's role is to provide guidance and assistance through the therapeutic process, but they cannot fulfill personal or romantic desires beyond the therapeutic context. Being open and honest with your therapist about your feelings will help ensure the therapy remains focused on your best interests.